Guns stolen in Jackson County vehicle burglaries

Authorities on Friday were investigating two overnight burglaries in eastern Jackson County in which guns were stolen from parked vehicles.

The first burglary report was in the 17500 block of 278th Road in northeastern Jackson County. The second was reported near the 16500 block of 134th Road in southeastern Jackson County.

According to Sheriff Tim Morse, firearms were taken from both vehicles, which were unlocked.

Jackson County investigators are working with neighboring counties that had similar reports Friday morning.

In all of the cases, Morse said, burglars have targeted vehicles near the county line.

Jackson County and neighboring counties investigated similar cases in late November 2013. At that time, two separate Jackson County rural residents near 310th and Y Roads near the Brown and Atchison county lines became victims of theft. In one of those cases, a firearm was taken from an unlocked vehicle.

A white 1990s model Chevrolet Blazer was seen at those burglaries.

A more recent car burglary occurred on X Road at the Shawnee County line, where unspecified property was taken from the vehicle.

The Jackson County’s Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to keep firearms stored in secure locations and not to leave items of value in vehicles. In addition, people are advised to keep houses, sheds and vehicles locked, even in rural areas.

Anyone with information on these cases may call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 364-2251.

Those who observe any suspicious activity are advised to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately. It is possible suspects in these crimes may be armed and dangerous.